3 must-know Fort Worth restaurants: No-frills Tex-Mex, iconic BBQ, fancy sushi
Each week, we’re sharing Fort Worth-area restaurant recommendations that come from our very own Star-Telegram readers.
These aren’t necessarily well-known establishments. They are neighborhood “hidden gems,” family-run eateries that have built a loyal following among locals who’ve discovered them in Fort Worth or our suburbs.
Do you have a restaurant recommendation? Use the form at the bottom of this page (or click here) to send it our way. We especially love hearing what you suggest ordering on the menu.
Questions? Comments? Email us: editors@star-telegram.com
Hickory Stick Bar-B-Q ($-$), Everman
▪ Where is this restaurant? The rural location at 900 E. Enon Ave. in Everman is about 15 minutes southeast of downtown Fort Worth.
▪ What readers recommend about Hickory Stick Bar-B-Q:
“The chopped BBQ is absolutely mouth-watering and sliced BBQ is very tender and flavored with owner Mark Jone’s dad’s recipe. Mark and his staff are extremely friendly and the service is unbelievable!”
▪ What else to know: Definitely worth the visit. This old-school, back-roads favorite has been around for nearly 50 years, starting as just a kitchen and small front room to now a dining room that can seat 150. Hickory Stick Bar-B-Q won the Star-Telegram’s Readers’ Choice poll for best barbecue restaurant in the Fort Worth area in 2023 with more than 39,000 votes for menu favorites like St. Louis-style ribs and brisket that takes 16 to 18 hours. See the menu.
La Rueda Mexican Grill ($), east Fort Worth
▪ Where is this restaurant? In a history house on Oakland Boulevard at Meadowbrook Drive, about 10 minutes east of downtown Fort Worth.
▪ What readers recommend about La Rueda:
“The menu is extensive, covering Mexican and Tex-Mex but also steak, hamburgers and other mainstream American fare including some of the best mac and cheese ever. The chicken enchiladas are the best I’ve had because they are made with oven-roasted chicken that adds great flavor.”
▪ What else to know: This mom-and-pop restaurant is an east-side favorite, with one of the best (and most affordable) Tex-Mex steaks in town. In a century-old house on Oakland Boulevard, La Rueda (“the wheel”) draws diners across cultural lines for American breakfasts, Tex-Mex lunches and steak or burger dinners. Don’t expect anything fancy, this place is no frills, but that’s why so many folks love it. Online reviewers praise the menudo, Mexican pork chops and chilaquiles. For specials, go to their Facebook page.
.JPG "AHi_j0187(8).JPG")
Megu French Japanese Cuisine ($-$-$), near TCU in Fort Worth
▪ Where is this restaurant? The location at 3113 S. University Drive is in the bronze glass tower near the intersection with West Berry Street, easy walking distance from TCU campus.
▪ What readers recommend about Megu French Japanese Cuisine:
“For Incredibly fresh sushi, try the Megu Roll. I’m hooked! It’s Fort Worth’s hidden gem.”
▪ What else to know: Megu, which opened about two years ago, is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. You’ll find rave reviews online, such as: “Megu is one of the most underrated Japanese restaurant I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. They have a variety of eating experiences, ranging from affordable stable Japanese dishes to high-quality sushi/sashimi to high-end omakase. No matter what your budget is, you will have an amazing experience.” See the menu.
More local restaurant recommendations
Check out these other restaurants our readers love, and keep your recommendations coming!
- Near Southside Italian spot’s wood-fired pies are fantastic
- 10 local restaurants around Tarrant County: Italian, Tex-Mex, Thai
- ‘A-MAZING fajitas’: Plus, a sushi spot and longtime Italian restaurant
Vietnamese in Haltom City, catfish in Hurst, and Beacon Cafe’s breakfast
Italian restaurant voted Readers’ Choice winner for best in Fort Worth area
Lobster ravioli, amazing sushi: Fort Worth locals rave about these 2 restaurants
Fort Worth locals can’t get enough of this Mediterranean spot’s fresh baklava
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 12:32 PM.
